He's been about as dignified as anyone could possibly be and now Manuel Pellegrini has confirmed that he would indeed be stepping aside as Man City boss this summer. Pellegrini was speaking at his weekly press conference in Manchester today when he confirmed what had been expected for a number of months.
A matter of minutes after the current City boss confirmed that he would be leaving, the equally expected news that Pep Guardiola would be his successor was confirmed by City.
A statement by the club reads;
Manchester City can confirm that in recent weeks it has commenced and finalised contractual negotiations with Pep Guardiola to become MCFC Head Coach for the 2016/17 EPL season onwards.
The contract is for three years. These negotiations were a re-commencement of discussions that were curtailed in 2012. Out of respect for Manuel Pellegrini and the players, the Club wishes to make its decision public to remove the unnecessary burden of speculation.
Manuel, who is fully supportive of the decision to make this communication, is entirely focused on achieving his targets for the season ahead and retains the respect and commitment of all involved with the leadership of the Club.
While everyone else with a passing interest in the Premier League may be less than delighted at the prospect of Guardiola coming in with what you'd imagine will be something close to an open chequebook, we can at least commend City on the timing of the announcement and breaking up the nonsense that is transfer deadline day.
Speaking at his press conference today, Pellegrini was as dignified as ever with the decision.
Before I finish, I want to tell you I have talked with the club and I will finish my contract on the original date. I signed for one year more, but with the clause that the club or me can choose not to use that now. So I finish here June 30, so there is not the speculation.
The club are not doing anything behind me, I knew this one month ago, but I don’t think it’s good to have rumour or speculation about these things, so I prefer to finish today, which I why I have told the players and I have told the press. I also spoke to the club two weeks ago and said that I would do it.
Considering that Jupp Heynckes won the treble with Bayern before stepping aside for Guardiola, Pellegrini has his work cut out for him to ensure that things are as easy/tough for the former Barca boss as possible.
